Summer holidays are always a bit chaotic. Long days exploring, lots of ice cream, and late bedtimes – pretty normal stuff! But one thing we notice here at Lister House Dental in Harlow is the sudden uptick in children visiting us with toothaches or minor issues that have quietly built up over the summer.
Sound familiar? Not to worry! Keep reading to find out how you can keep your family smiling all throughout summer!
Sugar Isn’t The Enemy (In Small Doses!)
A lot of our patients assume that dentists hate sugar consumption because it causes cavities. But the truth is, the real issue is the frequency at which sugary snacks are consumed.
During the summer holidays, without the same school routine, children tend to snack little and often. A fizzy drink here, an ice lolly there…These foods aren’t a problem on their own. However, if your child’s teeth don’t get a break in between, the sugars can sit on the surface, becoming more acidic and gradually starting to affect the enamel.
That’s why our Harlow-based dentists focus more on how often children snack than on expecting families to avoid treats altogether! Here are a few of our recommendations:
- Encourage water between snacks
- Offer sugary drinks on the odd occasion
- Have treats with meals instead of spreading them throughout the day
- Avoid sipping juices for hours during trips out
Keep Brushing Those Teeth!
If summer brings late nights and broken routines, then it’s reasonable to assume brushing might be pushed aside. A few missed nights might not seem too important, but over several weeks, it can start to wreak havoc on your children’s smiles!
One thing our dental experts suggest is for parents to help their children brush their teeth before they get overly tired. We know…that sounds obvious! But it can genuinely help avoid bedtime battles in the bathroom. Travel brushes are also a good option to keep in bags and cars.
Children’s Dental Check-Ups at Lister House, Harlow
Summer is one of the BEST times to get your kids’ dental appointments sorted without dealing with the rush of morning traffic and after-school activities! Routine check-ups at Lister House can help spot:
- Early decay
- Areas where children are struggling to brush properly
- Teeth coming through incorrectly
- Little problems before they turn painful later on
And for more nervous children, summer holiday appointments can often feel less stressful than squeezing them in around busy school days. Check out what this patient had to say about their experience:
”“First time there and over the moon with the treatment provided. All the staff/dentists were so lovely, fixed my son's teeth that the Barnet hospital orthodontists couldn't, even though they did the operation in the 1st place, and now he can't wait to go back for his check-up in 3 months, as we've now registered there. What wonderful ladies who made a scared little boy at ease. Thank you x”
Patient Testimonial
Looking for a children’s dentist in Harlow? We’d love to welcome your family at Lister House Dental Centre. Book an appointment today!